Orientation and Student Support Department
The Orientation and Student Support Department (formerly known as Student Success and Support Program or SSSP) coordinates onboarding activities and manages the credit online orientation student platform.
This office is committed to increasing student success through accessible and effective core services, empowering students with critical resources, and providing foundational support to help students achieve their educational goals.
Please refer to the Orientation and Onboarding website to connect with Continuing Education's Noncredit SSSP Department.
Contact Information
- Tina Helmstreit
Program Manager, Orientation & Student Support
760.757.2121 x6307 - Yaira Hicks
Interim Student Services Specialist, Orientation & Student Support
760.757.2121 x6926
History of SSSP
The Student Success and Student Support Act of 2012, also known as SB 1456 or SSSP, was enacted with the goal to increase student access and success in the California Community College system. In order to achieve this goal, colleges will provide students with core SSSP services, including (1) orientation, (2) placement, and (3) academic counseling, advising, and other education planning services, and early intervention. SSSP services are vital to student success and are designed to provide the environment to direct, focus and nurture students, as well as to connect them to the larger college community. SSSP supports student equity in assessment, student services, access to college resources, and provides a foundation for students to achieve their educational goals.
The purpose of the SSSP is to ensure that credit and noncredit students promptly define their educational and career goals, complete their courses, persist to the next academic term, and achieve their educational objectives in a timely manner. The goal is to increase student retention and to provide a foundation of support for students by providing comprehensive and integrated delivery of services.
In 2018, the Chancellor's Office established the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) Program which merged three initiatives including SSSP with Student Equity and the Basic Skills Initiative. The integration aligned Guided Pathways efforts and supported the continued development of community college equity plans. Learn more about MiraCosta College's Student Equity Plans here.
Visit the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office for more information:
